As we search for the best deals, endlessly clip and organize coupons, and shop for the bargains, the question arises… Why? Are we just cheap coupon queens? Don’t we have “something better” to do with our time? Are we never satisfied? Is there no method to our madness?

Does any of this sound familiar to you? Well, if you love coupons as much as I do, you do! You know, you get those looks from “everyday” people at the grocery store who basically stand and gawk at your coupon organizer. Or you get those heavy sighs from people who, unfortunately for them, stand behind you in line to check out.

By definition, according to Webster’s dictionary, another word for cheap is stingy. On the contrary, being frugal means not being wasteful or being thrifty. There is a big difference in these two words. I think back to when my husband and I first got married (20 years ago!). We both had well-paying jobs. It was nothing for me to go to the grocery store and spend $200 a week just for the two of us. I cringe now at how much money we wasted, because I didn’t use coupons or buy deals.

But as for me, there are good reasons for what I do. Above all, I want to be a good steward of what God has given me. Using coupons is just one of the ways I strive to do this. Shopping for sales, using rebates, and searching for the best deals go hand in hand with using coupons to efficiently spend the money God has blessed me with. Now, there are limits here. I don’t believe in doing anything unethical or illegal to get a deal done. I believe that if I try honestly at all times, then God will bless my efforts.

Another reason I use coupons and shop wisely is so I can help others. The Bible says in 1 John 3:17, “But he who has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts his heart against him, how does the love of God dwell in him?” God expects us to help those in need. One way we can do this is by donating food, health and beauty items, and even clothing to the local pantry. For example, I was recently able to “purchase” 4 blood glucose monitors at no cost to myself. Now, fortunately, no one in my family needs them; so I donated them in hopes of helping someone who does.

Another misconception is comparing stockpiling to hoarding food for fear of what tomorrow holds. For me, this could not be more than the truth. I think as Philippians 4:19 says: “And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches to the glory of him in Christ Jesus.” God is able and will supply everything that I and my family need. Stocking is a way to buy the things my family needs at the lowest price. Why should I pay full price for something when I know it will be on sale soon? And when it’s on sale, why shouldn’t you buy as much of the item you need at this low price combined with a coupon? It just makes sense to do it! And for me, storage is just another way to be a good steward.

So I hope through this I have dispelled all ideas that I or other coupon queens are cheap. is frugal. I strive to spend my money wisely and in a way that honors God.